A One Day in Istanbul Itinerary

So, you have one day in Istanbul and are trying to see it all? This one day Istanbul itinerary will help you make the most of your time and see many of Istanbul’s many tourist attractions – even in a short timeframe. Here you’ll find what to see, when to go, and how to save time and money. Let’s dive in!

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You heard it here first; one day in Istanbul is not enough. Not. At. All.

BUT.

If you have a long layover on a trip through Turkey, that might be all the time you have! And, I applaud you for getting out to see the sights you can squeeze in.

Istanbul is colorful. Lively and dynamic, a mix of old and new, and with a history that stretches back 3,000 years. This famous city was the capital of the Roman empire, the Byzantine empire, and of modern-day Turkey. There is a lot to explore.

Luckily, I’ve been to Istanbul a couple of times now – both on a week-long trip and as a quick one day layover. So, I’m going to share everything you cannot miss if you have just one day in Istanbul.

Let’s get to it!

Where is Istanbul, Turkey?

Istanbul famously straddles both the European and Asian continents.

The European side is separated from the Asian side by the Bosphorus strait, a 19-mile long waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

One Day in Istanbul: What To See in 24 Hours

Istanbul is currently Europe’s largest city, with approximately 15 million residents. Home to more than one of history’s greatest empires, there is so much to see in this lively and vibrant capital city.

Though it may be a challenge to see all the top sights in Istanbul in just one day, it is possible. Luckily many of them are located relatively close to one another.. However, you need to plan ahead to see them all.

I suggest purchasing all tickets in advance to skip the typical long lines, and planning your route beforehand. This exact Istanbul one day itinerary will hit the top sights and leave you time to spare for modifications and additions.

Pro Tip: If you feel overwhelmed, you can always book a one day tour. I did all of this solo so I know it can be done, but I completely understand that it takes a lot to plan everything!

1. Topkapi Palace

9:00am – 11:00am

After a hearty breakfast, head to Topkapi Palace – one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. This impressive palace was once the main home of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Today, Topkapi Palace is filled with hundreds of historical artifacts, artworks, and relics from various sultans throughout its history. Visitors can explore four courtyards as well as a selection of rooms, each with its own distinct characteristics.

The Harem section is one of the most popular – and often crowded – sections of Topkapi Palace. Head here immediately at 9am to get it all to yourself. You’ll see colorful tiles, lavish interiors, and gorgeous hand-crafted items made by some of the best craftsmen in Turkey’s long history

Hours and Costs

Topkapi Palace is open every day except Tuesdays from 9am until 5pm, or 7pm in the summer. Tickets cost 32 Turkish Lira (approximately $6 USD) per person and include access to all areas of the palace.

Pro Tip: If your one day in Istanbul falls on a Tuesday, be sure to skip Topkapi Palace because it is closed. Instead allow more time for the items up next.

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2. The Blue Mosque

11:00am – 12:00pm

There are a lot of mosques to see in Istanbul, but if you have to choose only one then it must be the Blue Mosque. This is the most famous and iconic mosque in the city, and for good reason.

Located in the heart of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is an architectural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. It features grandiose courtyards, gorgeous fountains, and stunning blue tiles that are responsible for the mosque’s name.

You can also explore the manicured gardens and the Imperial Treasury, which houses many artifacts from Ottoman times, including jewelry and priceless works of art

Hours and Costs

The Blue Mosque is open daily from 9am to 7pm, except for Friday when it opens at 11am instead and closes at 7pm. Entry into the mosque is free of charge for all ages.

Pro Tip: Note that credit cards are not accepted here so be sure to bring cash. The entrance fee includes access to all areas within the complex (except for special exhibitions).

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3. Hagia Sophia

12:00pm – 1:00pm

The Hagia Sophia was hands-down, without a doubt, my absolute favorite sight in Istanbul. It was incredibly beautiful and I can’t wait to go back again!

The beautiful building has a rich history, originally built as a church in 537 AD and later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Today it is a museum open to the public, and you cannot skip it!

The interior of the Hagia Sophia is breathtaking. The walls are adorned with imagery from both Christian and Muslim religions, offering a rare sight.

Colorful mosaics depict Biblical scenes, black and gold Arabic script decorate the ceilings, and the marble floors are lined with tombs, relics, and inscriptions from different periods in Istanbul’s history.

Hours and Costs

The Hagia Sophia is open 24 hours daily except for prayer times. As on 2023, there is no longer an entrance fee for the Hagia Sophia. It is free to enter, but donations are welcome and appreciated.

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4. Sultanahmet Square for lunch

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Exit the Hagia Sophia onto the Sultanahmet Square, at the core of Old Istanbul.

There are loads of places to eat in Sultanahmet Square, so you will have no shortage of options. If you want just a quick bite, I recommend any of the small stalls and hole in the walls just off the tourist track. I had some of the best baba ghanoush and a tasty vegetarian pide at a small cafe.

However, if you want to go “grand” and get an amazing view of the sights you just visited, consider the Seven Hills Restaurant. This sit down restaurant overlooks the Blue Mosque and serves everything from hummus to grape leaves to freshly caught fish.

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5. Hippodrome

2:00pm – 2:30pm

After a hearty lunch, head to the Hippodrome, which was a large chariot-racing arena at the center of town during the Byzantine Empire period.

Back in the day, the Byzantines’ favorite pastime was watching chariot racing in the stadium, though other games and ceremonies took place here.

Once a place of grand entertainment, the Hippodrome served as an arena for up to 100,000 people. Though its amphitheater is now lost due to the Ottoman’s construction on the Blue Mosque, much of its original orientation and scale remain preserved at this historical site.

The park’s southern end is home to three surviving obelisks and statues, such as the 15th-century BC Egyptian Obelisk, the 479 BC Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.

Most impressive to me – although this may be due to my love of Egypt – is the Egyptian Obelisk. It was brought to Istanbul by Emperor Theodosius I from the Temple of Luxor at Karnak. It is covered with hieroglyphics that celebrate the campaigns of Thutmose III in Egypt during the sixteenth century BC.

And, picture this: what you see is only two-thirds of the original obelisk. The rest was lost during transport.

Hours and Costs

You can visit the outdoor Hippodrome and Obelisk 24 hours a day free of charge.

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6. Basilica Cistern

2:30pm – 3:00pm

The Basilica Cistern’s eerie beauty is worth a quick 30 minute stop. And, it will be a peaceful one as well.

The Basilica Cistern is an underground Roman reservoir filled with water and lined with 336 marble columns. It was constructed using 817,000 cubic meters of rubble and brickwork, and it still holds water to this day.

As you explore the cistern, make sure to look out for two unique columns – one topped with a carved Medusa head and one with a carving of a Triton. You may even spot some gold coins glittering or some carp swimming around in the shallow waters.

Hours and Costs

The Basilica Cistern is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm and costs 300 Lira to enter.

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7. Grand Bazaar

3:00pm – 4:30pm

The Grand Bazaar is a twelve minute walk from from the Basilica Cistern. Feel free to grab a taxi if you would like to give your legs a break!

I suggest allowing about 1.5 hours to walk the Grand Bazaar. First, your brain may need a break from all of the history you’ve soaked up all day. I know I typically do. And second, there is a lot to see here, too!

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is an absolute must-see for any one day Istanbul itinerary.

Filled with thousands of shops selling everything from spices to jewelry, you’ll get to explore an array of goods from Turkey as well as around the world. Shop everything from fine jewelry to traditional carpets to leather goods and textiles. Grab a snack at one of the food stalls offering Turkish delicacies such as baklava, Turkish delight, and more.

Hours and Costs

The Grand Bazaar is open daily from 9:00am – 7:00pm. Most shops close for lunch between 1 – 2pm. Entrance is free but of course anything you buy will carry a cost.

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8. Sultanahmet District for a Museum Visit

4:30pm – 5:30pm

If you are still going strong, I suggest visiting one of the many very specific museums over in Old Istanbul. My top two recommendations are the Archaeological Museum or the Great Palace Mosaic Museum.

In the Archaeological Museum, spend some time pouring over the one million artifacts spanning 10,000 years of human history. The galleries house many exhibits that highlight some of the most important civilizations and achievements throughout time.

See the world’s oldest known written document, The Treaty of Kadesh; view sculptures from Classical Greece; find huge stone tablets dating back to Assyrian King Adad Nirari I; and view collections of coins, jewelry, pottery and more. There are also several educational videos available for visitors to watch during their visit.

Or, see the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, which was once part of the Imperial Palace and offers an up-close look at some of the world’s oldest mosaics.

One highlight is a beautiful mosaic depicting Empress Eudokia with her son Constantine IV in front of Christ as King of Kings. It dates back to 6th or 7th century. The museum also features a recreated mosaic workshop where visitors can learn more about the processes in which these ancient works were created.

Hours and Costs

The Archaeological Museum in Istanbul is open 9:00am – 7:00pm seven days per week. Admission for adults is 100 Turkish Lira (approximately $5.25 USD).

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum is open seven days a week from 9am to 5:30pm, and closed for lunch between 12pm-1pm). Entry fee is 45 TL (approximately $2 USD) per person

Archaeological Museum Location

Great Palace Mosaic Museum Location

9. Visit a Turkish Bath

End your one day in Istanbul with a time-honored tradition: a visit to a Turkish Bath.

Turkish Baths, or hamams, are incredibly relaxing. Typically, you will find steam rooms, warm soaking waters, marble seating areas, and treatments like scrubs and massages.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting hamams like these a few times on my travels and I couldn’t recommend it more. Especially if you only have one day in Istanbul! After rushing around all day, nothing will relax you more than a visit to a traditional Turkish spa.

In the Sultanahmet area, two highly rated and very popular spa options are:

Sultan Süleyman Hamam Traditional Turkish Bath – here you can get a full pampering treatment for a better price. Situated a bit off of the main tourist area, this hamam is well worth a visit. You’ll have the options of a relaxing massage, sauna, steam room, and scrub, as well as refreshing tea and drinks.

Hurrem Sultan Hammam – If you prefer to stay closer to the sights you visited today, you can’t go wrong with this spa. It is within walking distance of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. You’ll find squeaky clean facilities and a pleasant peaceful atmosphere, as well as the same massage and scrub options you’ll typically get at hamams.

I highly suggest booking treatments in advance if possible! Turkish Baths are quite popular and you really can’t miss the scrub. You won’t regret it!

FAQs on One Day in Istanbul

How can I see Istanbul in a day?

You basically have two choices when it comes to seeing Istanbul in one day; you can either do a self-guided tour or you can book a city tour.

The itinerary listed above is completely doable and shows you the best of Istanbul in one day. However, if you are short on time (or not interested in planning!) you can absolutely have a tour guide do the work for you.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best times to visit Istanbul are within the shoulder seasons, from March to May and between September and November. The temperatures are usually at a comfortable daytime high in the 60s to 70s, so you will avoid the summer heat and the chill of the winter.

During these months, the crowds at the city’s popular attractions are much fewer, too. Room rates tend to be more affordable and your budget will stretch farther.

How can I spend a few hours in Istanbul?

If you only have a few hours to explore Istanbul, possibly on a layover or a quick detour through the city, you can still get out and see some sights. Here are some options to consider.

1. Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you only have time for one area then I highly recommend visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. These are two of the most well known tourist attractions and arguably the most beautiful spots in Istanbul.
2. Take a Food Tour of Istanbul. Food tours are one of the best ways to get to know a destination. And, Turkish food is incredible. Tasty Turkish pides and hummus and falafel are all at the top of my food list in Turkey!
3. Shop the Grand Bazaar. Anyone who likes exotic snacks and items will love the Grand Bazaar And if you are purchasing souvenirs for yourself or others, then the Grand Bazaar is the place to go!
4. Take a Bosphorus Cruise. Want to see the sights from the water instead? A Bosphorous Cruise is unforgettable. Catch views of both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul

How much money do you need in Istanbul for a day?

While it entirely depends on what things you plan to do, I am happy to report that Istanbul is a very cheap city, compared to American standards.

The average budget traveler gets by on just $35 USD per day. Those who prefer more luxurious stays should budget up to $200 USD per day. This includes food, attractions, and accommodations.

Be sure to change USD and Euro for Turkish Lari to get the best local rates! I personally take Lari straight out of the ATM for the best exchange.

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Istanbul is so worth visiting!

It had been on my list a long time, and even with several years of built-up expectation, Istanbul impressed me. The breathtaking architecture inside the Hagia Sophia is reason alone for me to return.

Istanbul is charming, exciting, calm, and rooted in deep tradition, all at the same time.

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How can I experience Istanbul like a local?

To experience Istanbul like a local, do what the locals do! This means travel by public transportation, walk the city, and eat local fare.

1. Travel by dolmus. The dolmus is a small bus that travels all around Istanbul. It is a typical way for locals to get from place to place.
2. Have a traditional Turkish breakfast. This will be made up of crunchy vegetable slices, warm fresh bread, hummus and other cold dips, hot teas, and often hard boiled eggs and fruits.
3. People watch on the Galata Bridge. Istanbul’s famous bridge is a great place to observe local life. You’ll have incredible views of the surrounding city and Turkish people going about their day.

Is it possible to walk around Istanbul?

The smaller “neighborhoods” in Istanbul, such as Sultanahmet, are completely walkable. Those with a reasonable fitness level will have no trouble walking around and seeing the sights.

However, Istanbul is quite vast. Remember, it crosses two continents after all! So if you are looking to get from one end of the city to another, your best bet is to take a taxi or bus.

What is the best food to eat in Istanbul?

Here are some of the most popular and common foods in Turkey. I am a vegetarian, so my favorites are all listed at the top:

• Cheese Pide
• Falafel Sandwiches
• Baba ghanoush
• Hummus & Fresh pita bread
• Grape Leaves
• Kofta
• Gyro Sandwiches

Is it safe to visit Istanbul?

I traveled Istanbul (and all of Turkey) as a solo female, and I had no issues to report.

There is always a chance of you accidentally being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Istanbul is a big city and like most cities in the world, you should watch for pickpockets and tourist scams.

However, I feel confident in recommending Istanbul to any typical traveler.

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

I highly recommend booking accommodations in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, where many of the best attractions are.

Budget: Hostel Le Banc – This popular hostel offers everything from air-conditioned private rooms to 4 and 10-bed dorm rooms. It is located near the Galata Tower and has easy access to the metro station. It also features a shared lounge and a terrace! Book your stay.

Mid-range: Atlantis Royale Hotel – This highly rated hotel is located under one mile from Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cister. Here you’ll find air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The property also offers airport transportation for a fee, and car rental service is available. Book your stay.

Luxury: Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel – This gorgeous boutique hotel features traditional Ottoman-style architecture, complete with an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site spa. Centrally located, Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel is an easy walk to most of the sights in this post. You’ll also get complimentary 5 o’clock tea service and free WiFi. Book your stay.

Last Minute Tips for One Day in Istanbul

• Consider buying the Museum Card – If you want to visit both the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi palace, consider buying Istanbul’s Museum card. It allows you to visit both, as well as several other museums, for a slightyly lower price. The downside is, you have to stand in a (possibly) long line to get it on site. However, once you have it, you get to skip the other museum lines.

• Consider buying the Istanbul card – This card is for using Istanbul’s public transportation, with a hefty discount. It covers the metro, tram and ferries. Bonus, you can purchase the card when you land at the airport and then travel from the airport to Sultanahmet by metro, saving you a lot of money.

***

Seeing Istanbul in one day is a challenge. But, it is very worth your effort! This beautiful and historical city has so much to see.

With all of these great places to visit, you will really need to focus on the major highlights of Istanbul – and even then, it will be a jam-packed day. Be sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time (hooray! You have it here!)

If you come with a plan and start as early as possible, your one day in Istanbul is bound to be a success!

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